History of Boston in Timeline
Boston is the capital and most populous city of Massachusetts, serving as a cultural and financial hub for New England. With an area of 48.4 square miles, the city had a population of 675,647 in 2020, making it the third-most populous city in the Northeastern United States. The Greater Boston metropolitan area is the largest in New England and the eleventh-largest in the United States, with a population of 4.9 million in 2023.
1901: Red Sox Founding
In 1901, the Boston Red Sox became a founding member of the American League of Major League Baseball.
1903: First Modern World Series Game
In 1903, Boston was the site of the first game of the first modern World Series, played between the Boston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
1903: Boston Pilgrims name
In 1903, persistent reports that the team was known as the "Boston Pilgrims" appear to be unfounded.
1906: Construction of the Longfellow Bridge in 1906
The Longfellow Bridge, featuring "salt and pepper shakers," was built in 1906 and later mentioned in "Make Way for Ducklings" by Robert McCloskey.
July 4, 1911: Record high of 104 °F (40 °C) on July 4, 1911
On July 4, 1911, Boston recorded its record high temperature of 104 °F (40 °C).
1911: Beaneaters Team Name
Until 1911, Boston's first professional baseball team was known as the Beaneaters.
1912: Opening of Fenway Park in 1912
Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, opened in 1912.
1912: Fenway Park Built
In 1912, Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, was built. It is the oldest sports arena or stadium in active use in the United States among the four major professional American sports leagues.
1912: Braves Team Name
In 1912, the baseball team's name changed to the Braves.
1912: Annexation of Hyde Park in 1912
In 1912, the city of Boston annexed Hyde Park.
1916: MIT moves to Cambridge
In 1916, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) moved across the river to Cambridge after originating in Boston.
December 30, 1917: Record cold daily maximum of 2 °F (−17 °C) on December 30, 1917
On December 30, 1917, Boston had a record cold daily maximum temperature of 2 °F (−17 °C).
September 8, 1923: Opening of Logan International Airport on September 8, 1923
Logan International Airport opened on September 8, 1923.
1928: Opening of the Boston Garden in 1928
The Boston Garden opened in 1928.
February 9, 1934: Record low of -18 °F (−28 °C) on February 9, 1934
On February 9, 1934, Boston recorded its record low temperature of -18 °F (−28 °C).
November 15, 1934: Kennedy Sr. speech to the Boston Chamber of Commerce on November 15, 1934
On November 15, 1934, Kennedy Sr. addressed the Boston Chamber of Commerce, warning against deception in security sales and advising caution when approached by strangers regarding security purchases.
November 28, 1942: Cocoanut Grove fire on November 28, 1942
On November 28, 1942, the Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire, the deadliest nightclub fire in United States history, occurred in Boston, resulting in 492 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
1953: Construction of the Columbia Point public housing complex in 1953
The massive Columbia Point public housing complex was built in 1953.
1957: Establishment of the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) in 1957
In 1957, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) was established to direct urban renewal projects.
1957: Lowest temperature since 1957 on February 4, 2023
On February 4, 2023, Boston experienced its lowest temperature since 1957, dipping down to -10 °F (-23 °C).
1958: BRA project to improve the West End neighborhood in 1958
In 1958, the BRA initiated a project to improve the historic West End neighborhood, which involved extensive demolition and displacement of families.
1960: Patriots Founded as Boston Patriots
In 1960, the New England Patriots were founded as the Boston Patriots before relocating and changing their name.
1965: Opening of the Columbia Point Health Center in 1965
In 1965, the Columbia Point Health Center, the first Community Health Center in the United States, opened in the Dorchester neighborhood.
1966: Braves Move to Atlanta
In 1966, the Braves moved to Atlanta and became the Atlanta Braves.
1971: Patriots Move to Foxborough
In 1971, the New England Patriots relocated to suburban Foxborough.
1974: Summers where the yearly maximum dew point topped out at 71 °F (22 °C) in 1974
In 1974, the yearly maximum dew point topped out at 71 °F (22 °C).
1974: Conflict over desegregation busing starting in 1974
Starting in 1974, Boston experienced conflict over desegregation busing, leading to unrest and violence around public schools.
August 2, 1975: Record warm daily minimum of 83 °F (28 °C) on August 2, 1975
On August 2, 1975, Boston recorded a record warm daily minimum temperature of 83 °F (28 °C).
1982: Summers where the yearly maximum dew point topped out at 71 °F (22 °C) in 1982
In 1982, the yearly maximum dew point topped out at 71 °F (22 °C).
July 1983: Logan Airport's Warmest Daily Maximums
In July 1983, Logan Airport recorded its warmest daily maximum temperatures for the month, averaging 87.2 °F (30.7 °C).
1984: Redevelopment of the Columbia Point complex from 1984 to 1990
From 1984 to 1990, the Columbia Point complex was redeveloped and revitalized into a mixed-income residential development called Harbor Point Apartments.
1990: Murders in Boston
In 1990, murders in Boston reached 152, resulting in a murder rate of 26.5 per 100,000 people.
1990: Rededication of the Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center in 1990
In 1990, the Columbia Point Health Center was rededicated as the Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center.
1991: The Improper Bostonian Publication Start
In 1991, The Improper Bostonian, a glossy lifestyle magazine, was first published.
1991: Start of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project in 1991
The Central Artery/Tunnel Project, also known as the Big Dig which ran from 1991 to 2007, significantly affected the geography of downtown and South Boston, removing the elevated Central Artery and creating new green spaces.
1993: Acquisition of The Boston Globe by The New York Times in 1993
In 1993, The Boston Globe was acquired by The New York Times.
1996: Jamaica Plain Yearly Maximum Temperature
In 1996, Jamaica Plain's yearly maximum temperature climbed to 93 °F (34 °C).
1999: Drop in Murders in Boston
In 1999, murders in Boston dropped to 31, resulting in a murder rate of 5.26 per 100,000 people, after a coordinated effort between the Boston Police Department, neighborhood groups, and church parishes.
2000: Boston Becomes Majority Minority
In 2000, non-Hispanic Whites made up 49.5% of Boston's population, marking the first time the city became a majority minority.
August 10, 2001: Record high dew point of 79 °F (26 °C) recorded on August 10, 2001
On August 10, 2001, Boston recorded its record high dew point of 79 °F (26 °C).
2001: Patriots Super Bowl Win
In 2001, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.
2001: Winter of 2001-2002 recorded only two days entirely below freezing
The winter of 2001-2002 in Boston recorded only two days entirely below freezing.
2002: Winter of 2001-2002 recorded only two days entirely below freezing
The winter of 2001-2002 in Boston recorded only two days entirely below freezing.
2003: Patriots Super Bowl Win
In 2003, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.
2004: Acquisition of FleetBoston Financial by Bank of America in 2004
In 2004, FleetBoston Financial was acquired by Charlotte-based Bank of America.
2004: Red Sox World Series Win and Patriots Super Bowl Win
In 2004, both the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots won championships. The Red Sox won the World Series and the Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2004.
2004: Patriots Super Bowl Win
In 2004, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.
2006: Non-Hispanic Whites Form Slight Majority
In 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that non-Hispanic Whites had again formed a slight majority in Boston.
2007: Red Sox World Series Win
In 2007, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series.
2007: Completion of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project in 2007
In 2007, the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, known as the Big Dig, was completed after many delays and cost overruns.
2007: First climate action plan commissioned in 2007
The first climate action plan in Boston, which covers carbon reduction, was commissioned in 2007.
July 2008: Most recent occurrence of months without dewpoints below 53 °F (12 °C) in July 2008
The most recent occurrence of months without dewpoints below 53 °F (12 °C) in Boston was in July 2008.
2008: American Community Survey Data
Data from the American Community Survey's five-year estimates was collected in 2008-2012.
2008: Celtics Championship Win
In 2008, the Boston Celtics won a championship.
2009: Christian Science Monitor Print End
In 2009, The Christian Science Monitor ended publication of daily print editions, switching to continuous online and weekly magazine format publications.
2010: Non-White Population Rebounds
By 2010, the non-White population in Boston had rebounded due to a crash in housing prices and efforts to increase affordable housing, with non-Hispanic White residents comprising 47% of the population.
2010: Religious Denominations in Greater Boston
In 2010, the Catholic Church had the highest number of adherents in the Greater Boston area, with over two million members and 339 churches. The Episcopal Church followed with 58,000 adherents in 160 churches, and the United Church of Christ had 55,000 members and 213 churches.
2010: Population increase over 2010
The 2020 census reported a 12% population increase in Boston over 2010.
July 2011: Tied the record for months in summer without nighttime lows below 63 °F (17 °C) in July 2011
Boston tied its record in July 2011 for months in summer without nighttime lows below 63 °F (17 °C).
July 2011: Bluebikes Launch
In late July 2011, Boston launched its bikeshare program Bluebikes, originally called Hubway. PBSC Urban Solutions provides bicycles and technology for this bike-sharing system.
2011: Population Age Distribution
In 2011, 21.9% of Boston's population was aged 19 and under, 14.3% was from 20 to 24, 33.2% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.8 years.
2011: Ethnic Composition of Boston
In 2011, African-Americans comprised 22% of Boston's population. People of Irish descent formed the second-largest single ethnic group, making up 15.8% of the population, followed by Italians at 8.3%.
2011: Winter Snowfall
In 2011, Boston experienced a winter with significantly low snowfall, accumulating only 9.3 inches (23.6 cm) of snow.
2011: Tourism in Boston
In 2011, Boston's tourism sector saw 21.2 million domestic and international visitors, contributing $8.3 billion to the economy.
2011: Bruins Championship Win
In 2011, the Boston Bruins won a championship.
2011: Median Household Income in Boston
In 2011, the median household income in Boston was $51,739, while the median income for a family was $61,035. Additionally, 21.4% of the population and 16.0% of families were below the poverty line.
2011: Updates to the climate action plan in 2011
The climate action plan in Boston, which covers carbon reduction, was updated in 2011, after previous releases in 2007.
2012: American Community Survey Data
Data from the American Community Survey's five-year estimates was collected in 2008-2012.
2012: Elizabeth Warren Elected to the U.S. Senate
In 2012, Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, was first elected as the state's senior member of the United States Senate.
April 15, 2013: Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013
On April 15, 2013, two Chechen Islamist brothers detonated bombs near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, resulting in three deaths and approximately 264 injuries.
2013: Boston households philanthropy rate in 2013
As of 2013, Boston households provided the highest average rate of philanthropy in the nation.
2013: Ed Markey Elected to the U.S. Senate
In 2013, Democrat Ed Markey was elected as the state's junior member of the United States Senate, succeeding John Kerry.
2013: Introduction of the Renew Boston Whole Building Incentive in 2013
In 2013, Mayor Thomas Menino introduced the Renew Boston Whole Building Incentive to reduce the cost of living in energy-efficient buildings.
2013: NIH Grants for Research Institutions in Greater Boston
In 2013, hospitals, universities, and research institutions in Greater Boston received more than $1.77 billion in National Institutes of Health grants, the most of any American metropolitan area.
2013: Chinese American Population in Boston
In 2013, over 27,000 Chinese Americans resided in Boston.
2013: Resale of The Boston Globe in 2013
In 2013, the 1993 acquisition of The Boston Globe by The New York Times was reversed when it was resold to Boston businessman John W. Henry.
2013: Red Sox World Series Win
In 2013, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series.
2014: Jamaica Plain Yearly Maximum Temperature
In 2014, Jamaica Plain's yearly maximum temperature climbed to 93 °F (34 °C).
2014: Patriots Super Bowl Win
In 2014, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.
2014: Updates to the climate action plan in 2014
The climate action plan in Boston, which covers carbon reduction, was updated in 2014, after previous releases in 2007 and 2011.
2015: Jewish Population in Boston Metro Area
In 2015, the Boston metro area had a Jewish population of approximately 248,000, with more than half residing in the city itself, Brookline, Newton, Cambridge, Somerville, or adjacent towns.
2016: Car Ownership Statistics
In 2016, 33.8 percent of Boston households lacked a car, compared with the national average of 8.7 percent. The city averaged 0.94 cars per household in 2016, compared to a national average of 1.8.
2016: Boston's bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics in 2016
In 2016, Boston briefly bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics but eventually dropped the bid due to public opposition.
2016: General Electric moving headquarters to Boston in 2016
In 2016, General Electric announced it would move its corporate headquarters from Connecticut to the Seaport District in Boston.
2016: Patriots Super Bowl Win
In 2016, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.
2016: American Community Survey
The 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates provided data on ancestry groups in Boston.
2017: Boston Uprising Established
In 2017, the Overwatch League (OWL)'s Boston Uprising was established, becoming the first team to complete a perfect stage with 0 losses.
August 2018: Most humid month on record in August 2018
August 2018 was recorded as the most humid month in Boston, with an average dewpoint of 66.8 °F (19.3 °C).
2018: Red Sox World Series Win and Patriots Super Bowl Win
In 2018, both the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots won championships. The Red Sox won the World Series and the Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2018.
2018: Growth in Greater Boston's Dominican Population
In 2018, estimates showed a significant increase in the Dominican population in Greater Boston, reaching 150,000 residents.
2018: Patriots Super Bowl Win
In 2018, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.
2018: Boston's Financial Competitiveness Ranking
In the 2018 Global Financial Centres Index, Boston was ranked as the 13th-most competitive financial services center in the world and the second-most competitive in the United States.
April 2019: The Improper Bostonian Publication End
In April 2019, The Improper Bostonian, a glossy lifestyle magazine, ceased publication.
July 2019: Hottest month on record in July 2019
July 2019 was recorded as the hottest month in Boston, with an average mean temperature of 78.7 °F (25.9 °C).
July 21, 2019: Record warm daily minimum of 83 °F (28 °C) on July 21, 2019
On July 21, 2019, Boston tied its record warm daily minimum temperature of 83 °F (28 °C).
September 2019: Launch of Boston Saves Program
In September 2019, the city of Boston launched Boston Saves, a program that provides every child enrolled in the city's kindergarten system with a savings account containing $50 for college or career training.
2019: Climate action plan from 2019
A climate action plan from 2019 anticipates 2 ft (1 m) to more than 7 ft (2 m) of sea-level rise in Boston by the end of the 21st century.
2019: Updates to the climate action plan in 2019
The climate action plan in Boston, which covers carbon reduction, was updated in 2019, after previous releases in 2007, 2011, and 2014.
2020: 2020 Census
As of the 2020 census, Boston had a population of 675,647, making it the third-most populous city in the Northeastern United States after New York City and Philadelphia.
2020: Population Estimate in Boston
In 2020, Boston was estimated to have 691,531 residents living in 266,724 households according to the census.
March 2021: Kim Janey Becomes Acting Mayor of Boston
In March 2021, Kim Janey became the Acting Mayor of Boston following Marty Walsh's confirmation as Secretary of Labor.
November 2021: Michelle Wu Becomes Mayor of Boston
In November 2021, Michelle Wu became the mayor of Boston.
2021: Boston Police Department Budget
In fiscal year 2021, Boston allocated $414 million to the Boston Police Department.
July 2022: Jamaica Plain Sets Record for Warmest Daily Maximums
In July 2022, Jamaica Plain recorded its warmest daily maximum temperatures for the month, averaging 89.2 °F (31.8 °C). Additionally, July 2022 set a record at both Logan Airport and Jamaica Plain with no daily maximum below 79 °F (26 °C) at Jamaica Plain, and 75 °F (24 °C) at Logan Airport for the whole month.
August 2022: Tied the record for months in summer without nighttime lows below 63 °F (17 °C) in August 2022
Boston tied its record in August 2022 for months in summer without nighttime lows below 63 °F (17 °C).
2022: Boston Crime Statistics
In 2022, Boston reported 3,955 violent crimes and 11,514 property crimes according to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. The city's violent crime rate was higher than both the state and national averages, while the property crime rate was higher than the state average but lower than the national average in 2022.
February 4, 2023: Lowest temperature since 1957 on February 4, 2023
On February 4, 2023, Boston experienced its lowest temperature since 1957, dipping down to -10 °F (-23 °C).
2023: Boston as a biotechnology hub in 2023
As of 2023, Boston emerged as the largest biotechnology hub in the world and is a leader in various fields like scientific research, law, and medicine.
2023: Greater Boston metropolitan area population in 2023
In 2023, the Greater Boston metropolitan statistical area had a population of 4.9 million, making it the largest metropolitan area in New England and the eleventh-largest in the United States.
2023: Religious Affiliation Study by Pew Research Center
In a 2023-24 study by the Pew Research Center, 47% of Boston's population identified as Christians, 40% claimed no religious affiliation, and the remaining 13% belonged to other faiths.
2023: The winter of 2023-2024 saw the yearly minimum temperature not falling below 14 °F (−10 °C) that winter.
The winter of 2023-2024 in Boston saw the yearly minimum temperature not falling below 14 °F (−10 °C) that winter.
2024: Boston's Sports Championships
As of 2024, Boston sports teams have won a total of 40 championships across major North American sports leagues. The Celtics won a championship in 2024.
2024: Walk Score Ranking
As of 2024, Walk Score ranks Boston as the third most walkable U.S. city, with a Walk Score of 83, a Transit Score of 72, and a Bike Score of 69.
2024: Boston's bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics in 2016
In 2016, Boston briefly bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics but eventually dropped the bid due to public opposition.
2024: PWHL Boston Walter Cup Finals
In 2024, PWHL Boston (now known as Boston Fleet) reached the Walter Cup finals but lost to Minnesota Frost (now known as PWHL Minnesota) during the inaugural PWHL playoffs.
2024: The winter of 2023-2024 saw the yearly minimum temperature not falling below 14 °F (−10 °C) that winter.
The winter of 2023-2024 in Boston saw the yearly minimum temperature not falling below 14 °F (−10 °C) that winter.
June 24, 2025: Last reading of 100 °F (38 °C) occurred on June 24, 2025
The last time Boston reached 100 °F (38 °C) was on June 24, 2025.
2026: Boston hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Boston is one of eleven U.S. cities that will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with games at Gillette Stadium.
2028: Los Angeles securing the right to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Los Angeles secured the right to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Mentioned in this timeline
Bank of America is a multinational investment bank and financial...
Elizabeth Warren is a prominent American politician currently serving as...
John Forbes Kerry is an American politician and diplomat notable...
The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the...
The Catholic Church the largest Christian church globally with over...
China officially the People's Republic of China PRC is located...
Trending
5 days ago Murakami's Hot Streak Powers White Sox Victory Over Diamondbacks, Kelly Struggles.
8 days ago Murakami Shines with Home Runs Amidst White Sox Struggles, Adjusting to MLB
Joe Ingles is an Australian professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic Known for his three-point shooting he holds the...
2 days ago Kyle Tucker's Lineup Change: Dodgers' Win, Slump Diagnosis, and Comfort Issues
Pete Fairbanks is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Miami Marlins in MLB Drafted by the Texas Rangers...
5 days ago Mookie Betts' Injury: Dodgers Update, Oblique Strain Recovery, and Potential Return in May
Popular
Kash Patel is an American lawyer who currently serves as...
Michael Joseph Jackson the King of Pop was a highly...
William Franklin Graham III known as Franklin Graham is an...
George Soros is a Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist with a...
Paula White-Cain is a prominent American televangelist and key figure...
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...